Question 1

What are the rating requirements to qualify for TDIU?

Accepted Answer

TDIU has two schedular pathways. The first requires a single service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher. The second requires a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one individual condition rated at 40% or higher. Veterans who do not meet either threshold may still qualify for extraschedular TDIU if their disabilities create unique circumstances that prevent employment, subject to discretionary VA review.

Question 2

How much more money does TDIU pay compared to a 70% rating?

Accepted Answer

A veteran at 70% with no dependents receives $1,808.45 per month in 2026. The same veteran approved for TDIU receives the 100% rate of $3,938.58 per month — an increase of $2,130.13 monthly, or $25,561.56 per year, entirely tax-free. For a veteran with a spouse, TDIU pays $4,158.17 compared to $1,961.45 at 70% — a difference of $2,196.72 per month.

Question 3

What does substantially gainful employment mean for TDIU purposes?

Accepted Answer

Substantially gainful employment generally means any job that pays above the federal poverty threshold — $15,650 per year for a single person in 2026. Income below this threshold is considered marginal employment and does not automatically disqualify a TDIU claim. Sheltered work, protected employment, and work performed in a family business context may also qualify as marginal employment depending on the circumstances.

Question 4

What is extraschedular TDIU and who does it apply to?

Accepted Answer

Extraschedular TDIU is a discretionary pathway available to veterans who do not meet the standard rating thresholds but have disabilities that create an exceptional or unusual situation preventing employment. It must be referred to VA's Director of Compensation Service and requires documented evidence of how the specific combination of disabilities interferes with work. It is less common but not rare.

Question 5

Can I work part-time and still receive TDIU?

Accepted Answer

Marginal employment — income at or below the federal poverty threshold — generally does not disqualify a TDIU claim. However, income above the poverty threshold from competitive employment typically ends TDIU eligibility. Veterans considering part-time work while receiving TDIU should consult a VA-accredited attorney before accepting employment.

Question 6

What forms do I need to file for TDIU?

Accepted Answer

TDIU claims require VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability), which documents your work history and how your disabilities prevent employment. You will also typically need VA Form 21-4192, completed by your most recent employer. Supporting medical evidence demonstrating how your service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment strengthens the claim significantly.

Question 7

If I receive TDIU, does my official VA rating change to 100%?

Accepted Answer

No. TDIU pays at the 100% compensation rate, but your combined disability rating remains unchanged on paper. A veteran at 70% who receives TDIU is still officially rated 70% — they simply receive 100% compensation. This distinction matters for benefits tied to an official 100% scheduler rating, such as certain state-level property tax exemptions, which TDIU does not automatically unlock in all states.

	Without TDIU	With TDIU
Rating	70%	70% (same)
Monthly pay	$1,808.45	$3,938.58
Annual difference	—	+$25,561.56 / year

TDIU Eligibility Calculator

What TDIU means

Schedular vs. extraschedular TDIU

How to apply

Substantially gainful employment

TDIU FAQ

Is your VA rating accurate?